Car accidents can be life-changing, bringing new, unwelcome challenges into your life. The silver lining is that personal injury attorneys can protect your rights and get you compensated. That is, of course, as long as you file your claim within the right amount of time as allowed by the state of Tennessee.
This article will explore the steps to take after a car accident and why you must hire a lawyer before the statute of limitations expires.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Immediately following the car crash, taking these steps will help keep you safe and preserve the integrity of your claim should you decide to file one. Keep in mind that this is only if you are safe and able.
Call For Help
The priority after an accident is to call 911. Not only will this give you official documentation that the accident took place, but it will also give you access to medical assistance if there are any injuries or fatalities. If possible, quickly assess the situation so you know what to tell the operator on the other end of the line.
Exchange Information
If the situation allows, exchange contact information with the other driver. This includes gathering names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
Don’t worry if you can’t do this as much of this information will be on the police report.
If any witnesses are on the scene, discuss their perspective of the accident with them. Document it and collect their contact information. This will be helpful if their testimony is needed during the legal proceedings.
Take Pictures
Do your best to take pictures or video of the accident scene. This should include damage to all vehicles involved (not only yours), weather conditions, contributing factors, and visible injuries.
The more information you can provide to set the scene of the accident, the more beneficial it may be to your claim when filed.
Seek Medical Attention
If you don’t believe you were injured in the accident or decline transport from the accident scene to the local hospital, it is always a good idea to still get checked out. Often, when an accident occurs, you may be in shock. When that happens it is possible to be injured without feeling it yet.
When fighting a legal battle, quick attention and treatment can hold more weight in some instances than if you put it off.
Contact a Lawyer
After your accident, you will want to contact a Tennessee personal injury attorney. You may be able to get compensated for all the ways the accident has impacted your life.
It is recommended that you do not speak to a representative for the other party or their insurance company before consulting with an attorney. If you do happen to be confronted, do not release any details or discuss settlement offers.
Why You Need an Attorney Right Away
The time you have to file a claim in a car accident case can vary from state to state. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations only allows you one (1) year from the date of the accident to file a claim with the court. This is why it is so important to hire an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
Once that time is up, it may be too late to take action.
Have You Been in a Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident, contact the legal team at Hawkins, Bingham & Miller. We are your accident and injury law firm with decades of experience. Let us fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Time is of the essence. Contact us today for a free consultation. Serving Kingsport and the Tri-Cities area.